Reflections — The Art Of Misdirection
Now you see it, now you don’t. Misdirection is a magician’s stock in trade; what’s more, it’s a favorite ploy of Satan to torpedo your faith.
In Romans 14:1, Paul writes about “Disputable Matters.”
Accept the one whose faith is weak without quarreling over disputable matters.
Disputable matters are any topic that takes your eyes off of Jesus.
The context? Teachers were insisting that Greek converts to Jesus submit to Jewish dietary laws. Today, these arguments might seem pointless, but the topic was a flash point to followers of Jesus coming out of Judaism.
Why did Paul go to great lengths to settle a dispute about food? Because it took believers’ eyes off Jesus. This classic misdirection is one of the devil’s favorite tactics to undermine your faith.
Another disputable matter is found in 1 Corinthians 1:12–13, where Paul rebukes the church for “Quarreling” over who they follow. The argument distracts them from the truth; they all follow Jesus, which is all that matters.
It’s easy to say I’m glad I don’t fall for these kinds of tricks. Have you ever had a heated discussion about the rapture occurring before, during, or after tribulation?
Or maybe you insist believers shouldn’t ever drink alcohol; well, that’s a disputable matter. Why? Because Jesus drank wine.
If you know Jesus as Lord and Savior, you’re part of the body of Christ. It’s more fruitful if we focus on what we have in common rather than differences. That commonality is the person of Jesus Christ, the head of the church, and the one who holds it all together. (Ephesians 1:22–23).
The devil wants you to look at smoke and mirrors. Be sure what you focus on points you to Jesus.
